With the emphasis on LOSING WEIGHT you do need to decrease your carbs. I agree with the other poster that the government recommends you take in 60-65% from carbs, but study after study (I have my B.S. in Nutrition) shows that the ideal diet for fat loss is High Protein/Low Fat. So what kind? Ditch the bread, oatmeal, bagels, etc. For carbs take in fruits and some starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes) or legumes. Since you are running you do need them, but I would focus on quality sources which come with the added benefit of blood PH stabilization and micronutrients. Hope this helps and good luck on the race!

The high-protein diet is terrific for kidney loss, too.

First of all, fruits are carbs, so you are actually getting more than just a bowl of oatmeal and a bagel.

Secondly, this is a good thing! As a runner you need carbs to fuel your workouts. It is very difficult for your body to use protein and fat for energy while exercising. Carbs are your fuel for running. The phenomenon of "hitting the wall" is actually caused by running out of carbs.

It is very important to eat some carbs 30-60 minutes before your workout, and also to eat more carbs again within 30 minutes of finishing. You need to replenish your muscles' stores of glycogen (fuel which comes from carbs), and research shows that the best way to reload your muscles is within a 30 minute "carbohydrate window" after exercise. So don't think of carbs as an enemy, instead think of them as necessary fuel. While training for a marathon is no time to try to cut back on carbs! If you want to be healthy, get your carbs from fruits and whole grains. Oatmeal is excellent, but not if you use that instant **** with artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup. Try boiling rolled oats for 5 minutes instead. The texture is so much better! Then you can add some cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, etc to taste.

Thanks helen82, glad to see some have a sense of humor.

I find that humor is definitely the best way to point out the absurdity of such diets. Of course, kidneys add quite a bit of extra weight...getting rid of them should be worth a few ounces.